Finally some time to look around

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Today I had a chance to walk around and see a few things. So this update will have a lot of different pictures I took. I started out today by going to visit the Nagoya Castle. I have a few pictures from there. I also took a number of pictures on the way there. Randy and I ended up going by a temple on the way to the castle. The castle itself was great to view from the outside, however, on the inside it was less enchanting. The castle itself is has been rebuilt with a modern floor plan on the inside. There is a good reason for this. As promised here is some history on Nagoya. During World War II Nagoya was bombed heavily. Since Nagoya was close to the coast it lent itself well to being targeted. On top of that there is a lot of industrial companies in Nagoya, so of course it was a strategic city. Due to the bombing most of Nagoya was destroyed. After the war Nagoya had to be rebuilt fromt he ground up. Sadly this has created a city that lacks many temples and castles. Nagoya is almost pure concrete witht he occasional park. The castles and temples that do exist were rebuilt after the war. So while on the outside they appear to be old, they are really just remakes with modern amenities on the inside. That being said Nagoya has a great subway system and train system. Most of the buildings appear modern and have some great architecture. If you like concrete this is your town. But no worries this is still Japan and there are many suprises even within this concrete jungle.

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Photos

The Wheel In the Sky Keeps on Turning
On the way to the castle we happened to walk by this ferris wheel that is attached to a building. I believe this building is a mall. Shopping and rides!!! WOOHOO

We Found Temple
Here is a well you use to purify your hands and mouth as you walk into a temple. This temple itself was modern but the fountain looked old.

The Gate to the Hotel
Here is the gate to our Hotel. Our Palace!!

City View
Just to let you know what street level looks like. Nothing special but hey I just wanted to show you what I walk through every day.

Interesting Statue
Here is a statue we ran across on the way to the castle. I liked it and thought it made a good picture.

The Golden Dolphin
Yes this is a dolphin. There were golden dolphins placed on top of the castle. During the recession after WWII they were melted down and recasted with less gold.

Tower or Gate house I forget
I believe this was the gate house for the castle. But it could be the rebuilt tower.

BEHOLD the Castle
Here is a picture of the castle itself. Big and impressive!

Deers in the ditch
There was a ditch beyond the moat. My guess, since I can not read the signs, is that these are War Deer. They wait in the ditch and graze to give you a false impression. Then as you try to siege the castle they attack! Of course it is late and I could just have made that all up.

Top of the Castle
Here is a picture of the city from the top of the castle.

Top of the city part 2
Here is part 2 from the top of the castle.

The Corkscrew Tower
This tower is impressive at night and from below. I snaped this shot at the top of the castle. I hope to get more pictures at night. This building just looks amazing from the streets.

A beer vending machine
Yes my friends I did not lie.

Worker Motivation
I kid you not this man was the man who motivated people to move stones. That spear was the predicessor to Pride Points!!! Chances are though you only survived one gentle coaching from it.

The Garden
Here is a garden within the castle.

Return of the Garden
Here is another picture of the garden.

The garden strikes back
Third picture in the garden saga.

Sushi on the move
Behold sushi that comes to you.

Darth is not amused
It appears Randy ate a good amount of sushi and drank a beer to wash it all down. Sadly he does not look amused.

Comments

[Nicole]

War Deer, Beer Machines, and Darth with Sushi! Oh my!
Love the pics. I am jealous. I want beer machines and real sushi! I love that you documented Darth eating sushi. Hope you are having fun!